REVIEW: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical
The world of Willy Wonka is brought to full colourful life in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical which has opened its doors in Aberdeen's His Majesty's Theatre.
The production, based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, reinvents the successful West End and Broadway versions, drawing together elements from each while also including memorable songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder.
It tells the story of young Charlie Bucket who lives in the town where Willy Wonka's chocolate factory is based.
It has been closed to the public for many years but it still manages to produce weird and wonderful sweet treats.
Wonka then launches a contest where five lucky winners who find golden tickets in his chocolate bars will receive a tour of the factory.
Charlie's luck is in and he and his Grandpa Joe along with four other spoiled and greedy youngsters and their parents enter Wonka's world.
The musical is led by an impressive young cast which was headed up by Isaac Sugden who played Charlie in the performance that was viewed. Three other youngsters – Amelia Minto, Kayleen Nguema and Noah Walton – also take on the main role throughout the tour.
The first act puts the spotlight on Charlie and his dreams of visiting the factory and the other children as they find their golden tickets.
The actors are given the chance to showcase their singing and dancing talents with each having their moment to shine.
They are complemented by the rest of the cast who all get caught up in the frenzy created by Wonka.
Gareth Snook is cast as the eccentric factory owner and from his first entrance he steals the show with a performance that he makes his own rather than imitating others who have portrayed the role before.
As he guides his visitors and the audience through his fantastic factory its is brought to life by the production's hugely imaginative sets which are accompanied by striking visual design, special effects and lighting which immerses everyone in the world of Wonka.
Of course his spoilt young visitors start to disappear from the tour and the Oompa Loompas are introduced who are given a unique look taking on a robotic, quite menacing form.
Songs created for the musical and taken from the classic film are superbly performed which include A Letter from Charlie Bucket, The Candy Man, The View From Here and the renowned Pure Imagination.
The performers are accompanied by an impressive orchestra who add to and complement the visual spectacle.
The production also has a lot of humour which was enjoyed by children and adults alike.
By the time a magical trip is taken through the skies, which has to be believed to be seen, it is clear the outstanding show proves to be the golden ticket.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will be performed at Aberdeen's His Majesty's Theatre until Sunday March 26. Visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com for tickets.
